David and James: A Georgian Farmhouse Wedding
David and James’ love story began with an unforgettable first meeting through family ties, a glimpse through a window, and an unexpected encounter that led to a life of shared adventure and deep-rooted family bonds. Set against the backdrop of their Georgian farmhouse in the UK, their wedding day reflected their journey—rich in elegance and family values, with their six children playing a central role in their heartfelt vows.
Photography Marta Ilardo | Location Lincolnshire, UK
“…Just be true to yourselves. It doesn’t have to be all singing all dancing. The most memorable and priceless moments are usually the ones that aren’t planned.”
How and when did you meet?
We met in the summer of 2009, through David’s sister and James' mum.
Tell us a little about that first time you met…
James: Our relationship was born from a lucky case of happenstance. Dave had come down from London for the day to visit his sister Barb, who knew my mum, Sally. After a day of catching up, Dave walked through Sally’s gate that evening, when he caught sight of me for the first time. Ironing my clothes through the window, I was in my spiked hair phase and was wearing nothing but my underwear. We both remember the moment viscerally. I went out and introduced myself, still donning my pants and nothing more, as Dave stood holding the dog. Dave was suddenly aware of how odd he felt. Everyone went completely silent.
What was the first thing you noticed about each other?
David: I noticed James' big smile and happy eyes.
James: I noticed how handsome David was. And his big ginger hair.
Tell us about the standout moments in your relationship…
Dave: We shared a first kiss in the car outside the house. At that exact moment, Des’ree, “Kissing You”, came on the radio. Things accelerated from there, with endless messages back and forth on Facebook. A few days later, James came down to London to see me, pulling a sickie in work the next day so he could stay longer. A week later, we were officially boyfriends. I moved to Peterborough to be with James just six months thereafter. Young and carefree, we then moved to Australia and went travelling for 18 months before coming home, our bond growing stronger all the time.
Tell us all about the proposal…
Dave: Coming full circle, James proposed to me in the house we met in, in bed on Christmas Day morning in 2011. We'd been out the night before and had gotten stinking drunk. We were underneath the covers when James produced a ring and asked: “Will you marry me?” I said no, jokingly, before following up with, “Yes, of course I will.” Both still drunk from the night before, it was lowkey and perfectly us.
And how would you describe your life now…
Nowadays, it’s fair to say that our lives are somewhat busier, and a lot more chaotic! While it can sometimes feel like all we spend our time doing is laundry and preparing food, we do enjoy time for ourselves – like going out for lunch while the kids are at school, or enjoying a bottle of wine (or 4) at night and reminiscing together. Not working means we get to devote all our time to being the best dads and partners that we can. Despite the large charge under their care, everyone is settled, and surprisingly, the house can often feel calm. We cannot imagine life without our children. Our brood began with Mahayla and Isla in 2019. The girls literally pushed their social workers out of the door after they were introduced to us, telling them: “you can go now.” The social workers had never seen anything like it.
Have you ever faced any issues of non-acceptance?
Dave: We have a few times. In particular when we were looking for a wedding venue. We were looking at a church wedding and were refused by several churches to have our wedding in the church. One priest said we could hold it at the church but it would have to be an evening ceremony with very few guests. Haha. James and I laughed and replied. “Well sorry, many people before us haven’t fought for our right to get married in the darkness like our love is less than others.”
What does marriage mean to you?
Acceptance. Support, respect, laughter and of course love.
When did you get married?
20th July, 2024.
What was the main influence behind your wedding day?
Family. Friends and understated elegance.
What was the most important thing to you surrounding your wedding?
That our children were a big part of our day. We wrote vows to our children promising the fathers we will be to them.
Did you incorporate any family sentiments or traditions?
We created our own by creating vows to all of our 6 children.
Where did you find the bulk of your inspiration?
In our surroundings, our home. We live in a Georgian farmhouse and we really wanted the theme to be black and white and our female guests to wear wedding dresses if they wished, and a few did. Our celebrant even wore hers for our day.
How did you choose your suppliers?
We looked online and found our celebrant first. We then asked for recommendations from her. And we looked online. We knew the feel we wanted and who better to ask than professionals who do this day in and day out.
What was the most difficult thing about planning your wedding?
Initially, we would say finding a venue. But after a few rejections we said let’s just do it at home, there is no better place.
Where did you spend your honeymoon?
As we have 6 children we were unable to go away for a long period of time. So we have a weekend in Brighton for gay pride. And we are planning a holiday with all our children for our 1 year anniversary as the children were so involved in the day we feel it’s a day we should all celebrate together.
Any advice for other couples planning their day and finding it difficult to navigate the journey?
Just be true to yourselves. It doesn’t have to be all singing all dancing. The most memorable and priceless moments are usually the ones that aren’t planned.
David and James’ Team
Venue Private Property
Photographer Marta Ilardo
Videographer Agne Harris
Celebrant Roxy Hayde
Live Entertainment Azul Strings
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